Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Spring Semester Prep List for High School Students

Spring Semester Prep List for High School Students

Spring semester has arrived! And, if you’re looking for a fresh start, you’re in luck!


A new semester is filled with opportunities and there’s plenty to do that can help you achieve your goals. Most important of all, from start to finish, make sure to stay focused and motivated on what’s important – your semester’s success.


1. Prep for College



Follow these January college prep checklists to get ahead of the game on your college preparations.

Here’s a college prep checklist for high school juniors and a college prep checklist for high school seniors.


2. Seniors, Complete Your FAFSA



If you need assistance, check out Fastweb’s FAFSA information page for all of your FAFSA-related questions.
3. Apply for Scholarships



Apply for any of your scholarship matches on Fastweb. Fastweb’s 2015 scholarships are also a great start!
4. Save, Save, Save!



This year, save more. Check out these suggestions of money-saving New Year’s resolutions.
5. Start with a Clean Slate



Let go of last semester – regardless of how it went. You have the unique opportunity for a fresh start, so use it to your advantage. If you’re finding it difficult, tips and tricks to starting fresh your second semester.
6. Stay Motivated This Semester



Easier said than done, but these second semester motivational tips can help.
7. Steer Clear of Known Setbacks



You know your vices – so stay away at all costs! Now that you have a fresh start, there’s no point in looking back. Make sure you’re steering clear of second semester setbacks .



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Monday, December 29, 2014

2015 New Year’s Resolutions for College Students

2015 New Year’s Resolutions for College Students

2014 was the year where Flappy Bird got us heated enough to flip tables. Where we lost legends of comedy, Robin Williams and Joan Rivers, but gained millions for a cause in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Where Frozen took the world by storm and we just could not “Let It Go.”


Yes, 2014 was a very good year. But, with every New Year comes new changes in all aspects of life. There are new

experiences, new jobs, new places, and a brand new semester for most college students.


With the first semester come and gone, we learn things about college and ourselves. Like eating healthy and regularly is easier said than done. Or, that keeping in contact with your friends from high school is harder than you thought. Maybe, your grades weren't as good as you had hoped for and it was a little disappointing.


With the New Year ringing in, people make promises or resolutions so that their year can start off with a bang. Some strive to get healthy, while others hope to be financially responsible.


There are many New Year’s resolutions you can make but, here are some which college students may want to consider.


Become Financially Savvy




It goes without saying that college, in general, is expensive. Between buying textbooks, off-campus and on-campus activities, and the need for personal cash, having (and utilizing) a budget is a necessity for getting through the semester. Without one, you could be financially struggling when you don‘t have to be.

There are tons of websites that offer cheaper prices for used books vs. new books. When you shop for clothing, instead of a boutique or pricey clothing store, head over to the thrift shop (Go on, get your Macklemore on!).


Look for coupons and get discounts at food stores. If you start by managing how you spend, where you shop, and knowing your wants vs. your needs, you could be seeing green you’ve saved in no time.


Attempt Normal Sleeping Patterns




Sleep is vital if you want to have energy for your classes and job. Giving yourself a set curfew every night can motivate you to get things done at an appropriate time. Remember when you took naps as a kid and never really appreciated them? Well, you still can by taking 10 to 30 min naps when you have the time, like a quick recharge. You are still human, and humans needs their rest, so do yourself a favor and catch some Z’s.

Apply for Internships and Part-Time Jobs




It’s never too early to apply for internships in your field or a part-time job to pay for school. Both look great on a resume and it gives you the experience to get ahead. Head over to your college’s or university’s career placement office and talk with them about options for internships and occupational opportunities.

Utilize a Calendar




Keeping a personal calendar can be the difference between a heavenly time at college or hectic nightmare. A calendar is not just for plotting your class schedule, campus organizational meetings, and social events, but for organizing your bills and personal time to relax. This will keep all records and events in order, leaving one less thing for you to stress about.

Put More Effort into Grades




College coursework classes are harder than those back in high school, so being on top of your grades is important. When you set up a set schedule, find time to put a few more minutes of extra studying.

Gather a study group and meet at least once a week. Ask your teacher for any help or questions. Go to your college’s learning center and find yourself a tutor. Grades can get better, it all depends on you.


Change is all part of the circle of life (cliché, I know) but it doesn't have to be intimidating or frustrating.


The thing about resolutions is that they’re your own, so how you go about them is entirely up to you. Whether it takes a month or all year, it’s all about changing and improving you. So, by taking that first step and promising to make a difference, you’re already on your way to a great year in 2015.






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Friday, December 26, 2014

January College Checklist for High School Seniors

January College Checklist for High School Seniors

January is the start of a New Year and a new semester. Which means, you have the unique advantage of a fresh start in more than one way! How cool is that?


Make sure you utilize this clean slate because it's not often that we're given such chances in life. Here's a checklist to follow with suggestions of ways you can start off January on a great note.


• Fill Out & Submit Your FAFSA

The FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, becomes available on January 1. It’s important to fill it out as soon as it becomes available because it not only determines whether or not you qualify for federal aid but also for certain types of state financial aid. The sooner you fill out your FAFSA, the better.


Learn more about filling out the FAFSA and, remember, it’s always free to fill out – so if you’re being charged to fill out the form, it’s not legitimate. The only correct FAFSA website to access the FAFSA is fafsa.ed.gov.


• Register for February Standardized Tests, If Necessary



Whether you feel prepared or not, over preparing is never a problem. Check out Fastweb’s test prep section for additional tips and tricks that may give you an added advantage on your test day.
• Send Your First Semester Transcripts to Colleges You’ve Applied To



You won’t physically be sending these – but you should ask your counselor or guidance office to do so.

Then, at the end of your second semester, you will ask your counselor or guidance office to send your second semester transcripts as well.


It’s always a good idea to check in after a week or so to ensure that they’ve been sent, just because the office will have a lot of student requests. You want to make sure your request doesn’t fall through the cracks!


• Focus on Your Second Semester Classes



Keep in mind that, no matter how your first semester went, second semester is a fresh start.

Colleges love to see continual improvement and, if your grades pick up second semester, your chances of getting of a wait list or deferral list are that much better.


• Avoid Senioritis



In case you haven’t heard, there’s an epidemic going around that affects seniors called senioritis. It causes a lack of motivation, general laziness and lethargy. Whatever you do, don’t allow yourself to become a victim of senioritis – it will impact your chances of getting into the college of your dreams!
• Apply for Scholarships

As always, continue to apply for any scholarships you qualify for in your down time. Submitting scholarship applications doesn’t take as long as you may think and has a huge pay off! This should be a constant on your to do list – just make sure you actually submit your scholarship applications.


College is right around the corner and you can use all of the financial assistance available. Remember, the more applications you submit, the better your chances of winning a scholarship.


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January College Checklist for High School Juniors

January College Checklist for High School Juniors

January is the start of a New Year and a new semester. Which means, you have the unique advantage of a fresh start in more than one way! How cool is that?


Make sure you utilize this clean slate because it's not often that we're given such chances in life.


Here's a checklist to follow with suggestions of ways you can start off January on a great note.


• Focus on Your Second Semester Classes

You may be sick of hearing this, but college applications are right around the corner. It is important to keep in mind that, no matter how your first semester went, second semester is a fresh start. Your junior year grades are pivotal to your college admissions, so keeping your focus now is, perhaps, more important than ever before.


• Register for February Standardized Tests, If Necessary



Whether you’re taking your standardized exams for the first time or retaking, it’s still a good idea to prepare so you can continually improve your score.

Check out Fastweb’s test prep section for additional tips and tricks that may give you an added advantage on your test day.


• Participate in Your Courses

It’s important to stay active within class and participate in a manner that is impressive to your teachers so that when it’s time to ask for recommendation letters, you have plenty of options.


Teachers don’t like to write recommendation letters for students they don’t know, aren’t familiar with or sleep through classes. So perk up and speak up – it will benefit you in the long run.


• Save Impressive Academic Work

Some college request examples of your academic work, such as impressive essays or lab reports you’ve created. Save any work that you’re most proud of and that you’ve received the best grades on, just in case you’re applying to any colleges that may require this.


That way, you won’t be scrambling at the last minute to find examples and end up submitting a mediocre example you’re not as proud to share.


• Apply for Scholarships

As always, continue to apply for any scholarships you qualify for in your down time. Submitting scholarship applications doesn’t take as long as you may think and has a huge pay off! This should be a constant on your to do list – just make sure you actually submit your scholarship applications!


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Scheduling for Success

One of the best perks of finally getting to college—other than the learning experience, the social fun and the increased independence—is the freedom that comes with choosing classes that are, for the most part, interesting.

Moreover, there’s the opportunity to choose your own schedule (to an extent).


Although your biggest priority should be planning a well-balanced schedule that helps you work towards your goals, if possible, it is a great idea to plan your days around your personal biological clock.


Many classes, especially gen-eds or ones that are required for large majors, are offered multiple times a week or even several times a day, so for those it shouldn't be difficult to find times that are most convenient.


If you’re by no means a morning person, make an effort not to schedule classes before noon. If you often start losing steam mid-afternoon, try to get your classes out of the way before 2:30 in the afternoon.


No matter how your schedule turns out, you’ll eventually get used to the times. You may find at first that your eyes droop and you might arrive late to class every so often, but even if you have to get up at an ungodly hour for a crack-of-dawn class, you’ll figure out the right combination of sleep and caffeine to get you through the morning.


It’s also beneficial for you to attempt to get into classes with professors that you’ve had before or instructors that you know are excellent. You’ll get to know them better and this will make it even easier for you to ask them for a letter of recommendation if you need one.


At my school, most classes, except for labs, are scheduled for either one hour on Monday-Wednesday-Friday or for 90 minutes on Tuesday-Thursday.


Many higher-level professors and, sometimes, even entire departments, however, schedule their courses for 90 minutes on Mondays and Wednesdays because they prefer to have Fridays off.


This means that you, too, may enjoy the benefits of a three-day weekend every weekend! It’s a little difficult to get used to at first, but you’ll get in the groove of starting your work on Fridays to make the rest of the weekend that much simpler.


If you’re a new student or just unsure of the direction you want to go in your education, a lot of people will encourage you to get your required classes out of the way. This is a good strategy, but I’d also suggest that you take one or two classes a semester that you’re really interested in. If you only enroll in basic math, writing, history and science courses, you may not find that they pique your interest enough to compel you to take more.


If you’re interested in writing, take a creative writing class. If you’ve always wanted to learn more about computers but have no idea where to start, enroll in a class that will get your feet wet. Feel like going to Italy someday? Start learning the language! Don’t shy away from courses that start with the word “Introduction”—everyone has to start somewhere, and you have nothing to lose!


This also applies to those of you who have declared a major. It never hurts to minor (or even just take classes in) something that seemingly has nothing to do with your actual major.


When I toured my college, I met a girl who was majoring in psychology yet minoring in studio art, and I have a friend who wants to be an accountant but has a passion for linguistics as well.


While thankfully my schedule next semester is comprised of classes that are all required for my major (no more gen-eds for this girl!) the small size and rigid requirements of my program mean that there is only one time option for each class, so I wasn't able to choose my preferred days and times myself.


It’s okay, though; I’m sure I’ll get used to my 8:00 a.m. course, despite the fact that it’s earlier than any of my classes have been since high school. I also was fortunate enough to get Fridays off for the second semester in a row, hooray for me!


What about you, Fastweb users? How are your next-semester schedules shaping up? Let us know in the comment section below!


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Steps to Acceptance: Getting Off the Deferral List

If you applied Early decision or early action, you are likely receiving your decisions right about now. I recently received my own decision and it was not exactly the way I wanted it to be.


I had visions of telling my family all the wonderful news, just in time for the holidays. Instead, I have to tell them this: my application was deferred.


Although this is clearly not the decision I had hoped for, it is not a total loss. After all, I still have a shot, right? Spring seems like a long way off, but it will come soon enough.


Don’t panic if you are in the same boat. Now is the time to dig in your heels and secure that spot with just a few key steps.


Talk to Your Counselor




My counselor is always my go-to contact. The next day after I found out that my application had been deferred, I went to see her. She sat down with me for almost an hour, pin pointing exactly what I needed to do.

Your counselor will be able to do just that. He/she knows the ins and outs of the admission process and can whip up a personalized plan to boost your chances.


Bring all your application materials to show him/her and come up with a few ideas on your own in order to make good use of your time. Then brainstorm together how to fill in the gaps on your application.


Worst comes to worst, your counselor will know some other schools for you to look into. I had only applied to one school, blindly believing that I had good enough grades and test scores to secure my position.


When I received my deferral letter, I had no idea where to begin looking and thought I was stuck commuting to the local college in my area. My counselor, however, showed me that I really have more options than I thought.


Your counselor is a professional and knows how to get you into college. Trust his/her advice and you will be well on the path to acceptance.


Make a Phone Call




Perhaps the college you applied to wanted a little more information in a specific area. By calling the admissions office, you will be able to clarify some things for them, like why you did not take another AP class when there was one offered, why you did not do so well in your biology class, why you did not do a fourth year of track, or whatever the case may be.

Remember to be polite and take their advice seriously. Do not be offended when they give you the reason why you were not accepted right away. Stay calm, explain your position on the matter, and thank them for their time.


Build Your Resume




If you’re lacking a few extracurricular activities or need to show leadership, start looking into sports or clubs to get involved in.

Volunteer work is always welcomed by colleges. Show that you are serving on a regular basis and get your site leader to write a recommendation.


Think about your talents and hobbies and take them to the next level. If you are into art or crafts, try to get your work on display. Remember to continue to update the college with your progresses.


Retake the ACT/SAT




With senior year expenses, it may not be a pleasant thought to pay for another ACT or SAT test. But if your scores are on the lower side of the average or could be improved a bit more, take it again. Your acceptance could depend on it.

For some extra help preparing, take a look at some of these Fastweb articles on test prep:


Preparing for the SAT/ACT


Last Minute SAT and ACT Prep


Overcoming Test Prep Stress and Anxiety


Those are just a few examples of the many helpful test prep articles on Fastweb – there are many more, likely on topics to suit just about any test prep need!


Don’t Forget about Your Grades




So senioritis might be kicking in and you are slacking a little bit. Colleges can tell! They will ask your counselor for updates on your grades so be sure to keep them up. When things are going well, ask your counselor to fax the college an up-to-date report.

While deferral is not what I had expected or hoped for, there are still ways to improve your chances. With some hard work and a good attitude, things will turn out for the better. Whether that is getting in to this college or finding a dream school elsewhere, things will start to fall into place.


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How to Pick the Best Professors

How to Pick the Best Professors

As a now-seasoned college student, you likely know that a professor can make or break a class – no matter how interesting the subject matter.


A great professor can make any subject interesting whereas a not-so-great one can make even the best subjects dull or unpleasant.


Check out the following guide to help you find the best professors and ultimately create your perfect class schedule.









Web sites that rate professors




It’s no secret that one of the best ways to hear about a professor’s teaching style is from students who have been in the class.

Different sites include different ratings, from the professor’s overall rating to listed student comments, past course syllabi and types of exams. On some sites, you are able to search by qualities like helpfulness, clarity, easiness and, even, hotness!


A word to the wise: be careful getting caught up in the funny search topics on some of the sites. While they can be entertaining, things like a professor’s “hotness” ranking won’t help your grade, but his or her teaching style certainly will.


Popular professor ranking websites include Rate My Professors, MyEdu, Koofers and Uloop.


Discover what you should know about professor rating websites here.


Talk to your student adviser




It’s your adviser’s job to know about courses, professors and which courses you’d benefit most from taking. If you’re on the fence about a particular professor or course because of what you’ve heard or read, ask about it.

Your adviser wants you to do well, so he or she will be honest with you and share any information he or she has regarding professors and courses.


Remember, students talk about their classes to advisers all day long so, chances are, they know a lot more than you think!


Ask students within a particular major for professor recommendations




Many professors teach several different courses within a given subject field and chances are that a student majoring in that subject will take courses with them, sometimes several times over. Once a student embarks upon a particular major path, he or she will likely get to know the professors within the department.

It’s a great idea to ask upperclassmen or other students who have declared their majors which professors they’d recommend within their department and why.


You’ll gain insight on what the professor is known for, his or her teaching style and what that particular student liked or disliked about a course.


Find out if the professor has a blog or website




College professors often have websites or blogs, sometimes for professional reasons, for their classes or, even, for personal interests.

Take a little time to do some research on the Internet to see if you can find any online resources that may give you a glimpse into what a professor is like.


Sometimes, professors even upload videos of lectures, course notes and class syllabi that can help you can insight into a course as well.


Check out their work




Professors rarely limit themselves to teaching. They are often also working on research projects, writing books and doing all sorts of impressive things with their talents.

Find out what your professor is working on (or has done in the past) and read some of his or her work. It just may spark your interest and it’s easier to get motivated to learn from someone if you admire their work.


Google Scholar is a great tool to help you uncover a professor’s latest published work.


Sit in on a class




If you have the time and, of course the permission of the professor, sit in on one of the professor’s course lectures. Make sure to ask beforehand, as it is against some school policies, though some professors are more than delighted to indulge a curious mind. You may not understand what’s going on in the course, but it will give you an idea of the teaching style.

Also, pay attention to the students in the course. Are they interacting with the teacher? Are they awake and attentive? Is the class full? All of these are helpful indicators of what you should expect if you decide to take the course.


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What to Know About Professor Rating Websites

What to Know About Professor Rating Websites

A professor can seriously set the tone for your semester. Anyone who has ever had either a great professor (hopefully you), a not-so-great professor (hopefully not you) or with the slightest bit of common sense can tell you that.


It’s also common sense to know that one of the best ways to learn about a potential situation is from someone who has already experienced it.


Applied here: you getting a review on a course from a real, live student who has taken that same course with that very same professor. Yep, it’s not rocket science.


Where it does become a little dicey is in determining what to do with the information given. Do you take their word as fact? Look for more student opinions? Ask to see their other grades to ensure they are a credible student source?


Check out the following guide to help you learn about popular professor rating websites and what to keep in mind while reading each site’s ratings and reviews.


What Should I Know Before Using These Sites?


Yes, professor rating websites can be a helpful tool, but there are a few things to keep in mind while using them:


• The majority of students that take the time to rate professors have extreme opinions of them, whether they are positive or negative.

Take each opinion with a grain of salt because such extreme opinions are often biased and somewhat of an inaccurate portrayal of the professor’s teaching methods.


It’s also much more common for people to write negative reviews than positive. (Think about how much you complain about services versus complimenting them, for example.)


It’s always best to read a lot of reviews to see what the general consensus is and form your own opinion, rather than just taking one opinion as fact.


Remember, you’re just getting a one-sided story. Students who complain about poor grades but didn't work to achieve higher ones doesn't really reflect on a professor’s teaching style.


• It's all relative: individual students have different ideas about the qualities great teachers possess.

Once you read plenty of reviews, try to read between the lines for, what sounds like, the most realistic portrayals of a professor’s teaching style.


Worst-case scenario: you can always drop or switch courses if you were completely off base in ignoring a particular review.


• When a professor ranks highly on the difficulty scale,

it does not mean you should avoid the course.

Great courses can be challenging, too. In fact, some of the most boring classes are the easiest.


A difficult course and and bad professor, on the other hand, should be avoided at all costs. It’s smart to keep an eye out for courses ranked as difficult with professors that also have ratings that describe them as overly hard or as unfair graders.


However, if the professor is ranked highly in terms of being respectful and grading fairly, it’s not necessarily a class you should steer clear from. You may just need to work a little harder for your grade.


• It’s absolutely impossible to completely avoid difficult courses.

You shouldn't want to, anyway! Challenging yourself is part of how you learn and grow. However, there are strategies to picks the right types of difficult courses.


The best strategy is to choose the right difficult courses, with the right type of professor who will fit with your learning style. That way, the difficult courses won’t seem quite as bad as they could be.


So, go ahead, take a difficult course. You may actually end up learning a lot!


• Try to look for comments from students who have majors related to the course subject.

This actually makes a lot of sense when you think about it.


For example, an accounting major may dislike writing and, because they dislike the course material in a writing course, may rate a professor more harshly than, say, a journalism major.


However, if a journalism major were to rate that same writing course negatively, it should set off some red flags.


Popular ratings sites


Rate My Professors



Claiming the largest online destination for professor ratings, the site is “built for college students, by college students.”

According to their web site, users have added more than 14 million ratings, 1.3 million professors and 7,000 schools across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.


MyEdu



This site claims to have “more than professor ratings.” In fact, they qualify their tool as professor recommendations.

They professor recommendations, as described on the web site, “let you choose the professors that work best with your personal learning style which should help make you more successful in your college classes.”


The recommendations include factors like study tips, exam types, lecture and attendance policies, the professor’s teaching style and effectiveness as well as the official school evaluations.


Koofers



Koofers is somewhat of a hybrid between Rate My Professors and myEdu, because the site has valuable ratings included on myEdu, as well as student comments to help you make more informed decisions regarding professors.

The site is also useful in that it provides average class GPAs and additional information about exams, quizzes, class projects and, when applicable, extra credit opportunities.


Students are also able to detail difficult of the exams; whether or not the professor applies a grading curve and if any pop quizzes are to be expected. It’s helpful to know what to expect in a course and this type of information lends itself to just that.


Uloop



On Uloop, you’re able to search college professors by your state, university, the professor’s last name or by department. With five-star scales, you’re able to see the ratings over three qualities: helpfulness, clarity and easiness, compiled with the professor’s overall score.

Student comments are posted next to each rating, which helps the reader understand why certain ratings may have been given.


Also, it’s helpful to see how many students have ranked the professor in total (for example, if a professor has one star but only one student has rated them, that’s something to think less about than if a professor has one star and 1,000 students rated them.)


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Examining Your College Options

Examining Your College Options

The college search can be a stressful experience. Looking through countless school websites, articles, and rankings, all the schools can start to run together, appearing no different from the next.


However, there are a few things to keep in mind when narrowing your options – they might just bring back your sanity!


Strength of Program




The college search, for me, was all about how strong my intended major was at that school. Wanting to become a writer, it was important that I would build my skills in English while attending the school. That was how I came upon my first choice, Kenyon College.

Talk to your counselor, do a Google search, or find a book in the library to find the top notch schools for your intended major.


Public, Liberal Arts or Career Prep Curriculum Focus?




Public colleges and universities typically have a set curriculum. Every freshman has the same requirements and takes similar courses. The first couple of years are to get those general education credits out of the way before moving on toward your major.

It is similar at a liberal arts college. You take classes outside your major to fulfill graduation requirements. However, they are a bit more forgiving. You do not have to take a specific class. Instead, you must fulfill what colleges refer to as “distribution requirements.” To adhere to these, you must take a certain number of classes from English, science, math, etc. For someone without a clue what they want to do for a career, this is a good option because you have a lot of wiggle room to experiment and find what subject you are interested in pursuing.


If you are interested in art, engineering, or something where you need a lot of connections, consider a school that focuses on career development. You will take a couple of general education classes, pick your major, and then participate in a co-op or internship as part of your graduation requirements. Not only do you gain invaluable experience through these programs, but the connections you build there often lead to permanent jobs.


Class Sizes




If you are more comfortable in a small class, then this could be the deciding factor for you. Liberal arts colleges typically have smaller numbers, but almost all colleges and universities have smaller, upper level classes.

The number on the website is not going to give you an accurate count. Do not look at “average class size” or “student/faculty ratio.” These may give you an idea so you can start looking, but the best way is to make a phone call or sit in on a freshman level course.


Location




Do you want to be close to home? Are you looking for a rural or city campus? Do you want to be close to the coast or in the mountains? These are things to consider – after all, this will be your home for the next few years.

Acceptance Rates and ACT/SAT Scores




Do not be afraid to apply to a school with higher average scores than your own. If that school is where you want to go, apply.

Realize that you are really going to have to prove yourself with your essays and extracurricular activities, but you still have a chance. Remember to have a few backup options where your scores are generally accepted.


Think about which of these categories is most important to you and talk with your counselor for more help. Do some research and list a few options. From there, there are only a few short steps until it is time to apply.


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Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Money Saving New Year's Resolutions

Money Saving New Year's Resolutions

It's about to be 2015, which means that everyone is about to make their New Year's Resolutions.


That means, the timing could not be more perfect to focus on resolving to focus on your education and, of course, a way to pay for it!


Here are some suggestions of resolutions you can take on this year to improve your financial situation:


Avoid Credit Card Debt -


Credit cards can seem like a simple solution for the present, however, piling on debt to deal with later is not a solution.


As enticing as any credit card rates may seem, interest accumulates rapidly and paying off the minimum payment is not a solution.


If you do have a credit card, only spend what you actually have. That way, you will improve your credit score and never carry a balance.


Save More -


It sounds simpler than it is. Saving is difficult, but if you decide to save a certain portion of your paycheck, it can be easier if you arrange for automatic deposit of that portion into a savings account.


Eventually, you will get used to your adjusted paycheck and will not even think about the amount that’s gone into your savings.


Apply for Scholarships -


Scholarships are basically like free money for school and the more you apply for, the better your chances are of winning. Stay diligent – it’s not easy to win a scholarship and you likely won’t win one on your first try.


This year, resolve to apply for a certain number of scholarships weekly. Maximizing your chances can take you from a scholarship applicant to a scholarship winner this year.


Just Say No -


If you can’t afford to go out, stay home. It’s that easy! You must be realistic – if you can’t afford to dine out, go out or whatever it is – why not entertain on a budget?


Go in on a cooking dinner with friends (groceries are much less expensive than eating out), playing games at home or find other budget-friendly ways to have fun. Remember, you can say no to going out and spending money without sacrificing fun!


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5 Easy Resolutions for a Happier New Year

5 Easy Resolutions for a Happier New Year

A New Year is the perfect chance for a fresh start; a new beginning. It’s an opportunity to refocus on aspects within life that need may need a little extra attention.


However, what started as a tradition to improve one’s happiness, health and well-being seems to have taken a turn into the shallow pool.


In this modern day, resolutions seem to focus more around weight loss diets and related goals than goals related to happier and healthier living, both inside and out. Sure, everyone knows that true happiness comes from within – but taking certain measures leading to a happier life can help you become a happier person.


It does not happen overnight - that’s a fact that many people often like to ignore or forget - which is why the majority of New Year’s resolutions fail. But, they don’t have to!


Take on resolutions that are realistically attainable. What does that mean? Truthfully, only you are the judge of whether goals are or are not realistic for yourself – you just have to be honest. If you are honest with yourself (really, truly and, sometimes, necessarily brutally honest) you can and will achieve the goals you set out to accomplish.


Once you begin to achieve your goals and you will - because you’re setting yourself up for success, rather than failure, from the start.


This year, instead of feeling badly that you failed at achieving your resolutions yet again – look at this year as the opportunity to improve your life, clear out the cobwebs and rid your life of any negativity holding you back.


Resolutions following these guidelines will actually start to make you feel happier, healthier and, unbelievably, life will seem sunnier even on the gloomiest of days.


Still skeptical? If your current resolution strategies haven’t been successful in the past, perhaps a new strategy is worth a shot. Why not peek at some of the suggestions below to see if any strike your fancy?


Check out the following five New Year’s resolution suggestions to help you have a happier year:


Resolution 1. Perform one random act of kindness a day.



Let’s just say it: random acts of kindness happen less frequently than they should. When it comes to regular common courtesy, it’s no longer regular nor common in our society. People’s eyes are constantly glued to their phones and their wrapped up within their own lives and, truthfully, we are all to blame.

Here’s where the resolution comes in. Whether it’s offering a compliment to someone you’ve never met before or offering the person behind you in line at the grocery store with two items to go ahead of you because you have a full cart – these are all simple acts that can turn a person’s day around in an instant.


How it will improve your life (a.k.a. What’s in it for me?): The surprised-grateful look on the kindness recipient’s face (and, often, the observers of the act of kindness) are well worth the mere moments it takes to make their day.

Plus, you’re putting positivity back into the world. Those people are more willing to go out and put forth kindness to others, too.


Resolution 2. Take stock of your current friendships.



Friends serve different purposes and it’s important to know which friends bring value and positivity into your life. Those are friends you can trust, confide in and count on when times are tough – the friends you should value for years to come.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t have all different types of friends, however, recognizing the different types is important. The friends that you can count on should be especially valued and, most importantly, treated with the same kindness, respect and love as they give you. Otherwise, they’re not going to stick around very long and those friends are tough to come by.


How it will improve your life (a.k.a. What’s in it for me?): Once you recognize which friendships bring positivity into your life, you can start to build deeper friendships with those people. You can also begin to recognize what it is about those friendships that improves your life and look for similar qualities when making new friendships.


Resolution 3. Do something you enjoy every day.



All too often, life becomes a daily routine of school, work and over-scheduled tasks. It’s important to take time out for tasks you enjoy so that you remember to actually have some pleasure in your days, too.

How it will improve your life (a.k.a. What’s in it for me?): It goes without saying that you’ll be a much happier person if you make time to do things that make you happier. That’s just pure logic.


Resolution 4. Drink more water.



Water has countless health benefits. Seriously, can you think of anything else so basic that has as many internal and external health benefits to your body?

Your body is made of 60 percent water, so it will function much better if it’s hydrated properly. So, naturally, you’ll feel better if your body is functioning as it should. Drinking the proper amount of water also helps energize your muscles, can help to promote weight loss, hydrates skin and removes the toxins from the body.

How Much Water Should You Drink Daily?

According to U.S. News & World Report, “the basic equation for determining this is by dividing your body weight in half. So, if you weigh 200 pounds, you would need 100 ounces of water per day if you're not doing anything strenuous. If you're working out, hiking, at a high altitude or outdoors a great deal, you're going to need to add to those 100 ounces.”


How it will improve your life (a.k.a. What’s in it for me?): Consuming more water helps you feel better and look better – why wouldn’t you want either of those things? Oh, and your restaurant bills will be a litter be less expensive because water is free!


Resolution 5. Become a better listener.



Phone addicts, wandering eyes, interrupters, unite: we’re talking to you.

Divert your eyes from that app, from social media, from whatever it is that’s not-so-important but has your eye, over the person speaking to you. The harsh trust is that it’s making the person you’re with feel like they do not deserve your undivided attention. Because, even though you might not realize or intend it, that is the message you’re sending.


This year, try to make an effort to improve this habit – especially because it’s a habit you probably didn’t even know you had.


How it will improve your life (a.k.a. What’s in it for me?): The people in your life will value the steps you’ve taken to be there for them and, in turn, will be there for you as well. Your relationships will strengthen when you take these steps towards better communication and respect, which all parties will find beneficial.

Try one – or all – of these suggestions for a happier year in 2015. Let us know how it works out!








Do you have any New Year's Resolution suggestions for a happier 2015?


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Monday, December 22, 2014

Involving Your Parents in Your College Search

Involving Your Parents in Your College Search

Choosing between colleges is certainly one of the hardest parts of senior year for many students, as it is hard to narrow down your college list.


However, in addition to resources like Fastweb and your school counselors, there is always help to be found from your parents.


We all know that our parents can be annoying sometimes, especially in the process of something so stressful, but their experiences at college can, at the very least, help you know what to look for on your college visits.


Alternately, if your parents did not attend college, they still have helpful insight to share. You may want to ask questions about experiences they regret missing or wished they could have experienced.


Although your parents can be helpful, it is important to remember that the ultimate decision is yours. However, here are some different questions you can ask your parents to at least have a basis to go off of when beginning your search for the right college.


1. What was your deciding factor?

It’s true that everyone will have a different key reason for deciding their college, but it will help to know what your parents used as the turning point in their decision making process. What was the single most important part in their decision?


2. What did you enjoy most about your college?

Ask your parents what stood out the most in their college experience? Was it the student life? The professors? The athletic department? What made their experience while at college so special?


3. What did you not like about college?

It’s definitely important to take both sides into consideration… You cannot overlook the negatives. Ask your parents what they hated in their four years away from home.


4. What was missing in college?

Try and find out if there was anything they wish they would have had at the college they attended. This can also be important in helping you determine your own college decision.


These are just a few questions to get you started in a college talk with your parents, but it is important to remember that you need to make your college decision based on what is best for you. As you go talk to your parents, make a list of questions you have about a particular college that you can ask while on a visit. It will also help to make a checklist of things that you would want to find in the perfect college for you.


At the end of the day, your parents can provide a lot of wisdom on a cloudy subject that might have you stressed out towards the end of the first semester of school. However, if you can make a checklist and talk it through with your parents, you will be in a better position to narrow down your own decision.


If your parents did not attend college, they’re opinions can still offer lots of insight into what they feel they missed out on. You can use these and apply them to your search as well.


Remember, ultimately, these answers pertain to their college wishes and not your own. Your college decision is your own and not theirs!


Think about asking questions like the following:


1. What type of college experiences do you think students benefit from the most?

As a high school senior, it can be hard to determine which collegiate experiences benefit a student with away at college. Though they did not attend college themselves, your parents will undoubtedly have a bank of knowledge regarding experiences they missed over the years. Ask your parents to share this information with you, and find out what they would like to see you be involved in as a college student.


2. What do you think I should look for in a college? What should I avoid?

Your parents, whether they attended college or not, will certainly have their own opinions that they would be interested in sharing with you. Surprise them by asking their advice on aspects you should and should not look for – even if they’ve already offered it up. It’s a different story when you seek out information, and they might offer you more in-depth answers as well.


3. If you could travel back in time, which type of college would you choose? Why?

Gain insight into what type of school your parents would have attended. Many students attend a parent’s alma mater, though it’s certainly not required. It may be useful to learn which type of school your parents would have gone to, had they attended college. Their answers could help lead your search in the right direction.


4. What do you feel you missed out on most in not getting “the college experience?”

As someone who did not attend college, your parents are in a unique position to give advice on the lack of the college experience. Whether they regret not attending college or not, ask them to share what they wish they could have experienced. Again, their answers will help give you a place to start in your own search.






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How I Knew I Was REALLY Done With College Apps

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I went back home for Thanksgiving break and met up with a couple current high school senior friends for brunch. Over lattes and honey toast, I told them about my new exciting life at college and they, in turn, recounted all their struggles with AP Lit, senioritis, and – of course – college applications.


It was a little surreal, to be honest. I was in their place one year ago, feeling the same anxieties, even applying to some of the same schools. When you’re applying to colleges, sometimes it feels like the only thing you can think about are deadlines creeping up left and right, threatening to suck you in. But life goes on, and I promise you there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Here’s a checklist to get you there faster:


Let Go of Your Essays


Okay, you’ve edited them enough, you really have. They tell you to show your essay to as many people as possible for different perspectives and feedback, but I’ve always felt that’s a little overwhelming for someone applying to college. What if two people give you directly contrasting advice? Instead, just see the feedback as constructive criticism that you can either take or not take to heart.


And there really is a point where you don’t need to keep feverishly editing your essays. Enough editing, enough checking for typos. Once you think your message has been expressed and people reading your drafts agree, and once you think your essay displays your grasp of language well, you’re good to go. College admissions officers want to see you can think and write, but once you’ve gotten those two things down, there’s no reason to overexert yourself.


Wrap Up the Paperwork


Transcripts and mid-year reports, test scores from CollegeBoard, financial aid documents are all pieces of paperwork that need to make it to your colleges one way or another by the deadline. Figure out early on what paperwork your school will take care of (often transcripts), and what you and your parents need to send to your school (usually test scores and “finaid” like FAFSA and CSS). With so much paper flying around, it’ll be easy to lose track of test scores to one school or a missed page of your financial aid application to another. But your organization will pay off once the paperwork is submitted, and then you can breathe easy.


Set Up Any Interviews


Two of the schools I applied to required I interview with an alumni in the area, while other schools offered the option of visiting and interviewing with an admissions officer in person. While the second option wasn’t possible for me time-wise and money-wise, I enjoyed interviewing with them and discussing what could be my future home for the next four years.


Interviews like mine take place in the second half of the month, coordinated through email until you decided on a date and location; for instance, I interviewed for one school after requesting the interview through the college’s website with an alumni. The other one I had was with a current student who was taking time out of her weekend to speak to eager applicants to her school. Treat these interviews more as opportunities to get to know the school through an actual student or graduate, rather than something to get nervous about like a job interview. And once it’s over, you’ll be busy looking forward to college.


Submit And Enjoy!


For a high school senior, there’s nothing more beautiful than that row of green check marks on the Common App dashboard page. You’ve finished editing your essays, sorted out all the paperwork issues, and thoroughly charmed your interviewer. Now it’s time to relax and enjoy your second semester to the fullest.


How are your apps coming along? What are you looking forward to most about second semester senior year? Let us know in a comment below!






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Saturday, December 20, 2014

$1,000 Every Month

$1,000 Every Month Scholarship

Each month you have a chance to win $1,000! GotChosen Scholarships now has a new opportunity for students around the world to have access to extra funds for their education. To be eligible to apply for this scholarship you must meet the following:


    भिडियो
  • Be 18 years or older

  • Have been accepted into a post secondary or college program

You do not need to submit your GPA or prove financial need to enter into the $1,000 Every Month Scholarship. However, you must apply every month that you wish to be considered for the award. The deadline to apply each month is the last day of the month at 11:59PM Pacific Time.

To enter to win this scholarship you must create a GotChosen account and follow the application process steps. The winner will be chosen by a random drawing and announced on the 27th of the following month.

Log into your scholarship account to gain access to the full information on the $1000 Every Month Scholarship so you can enter to win.

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Friday, December 19, 2014

I Applied Early Action and Got Rejected…Now What?

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Dear Applicant,


(General statement about how carefully they read your application and/or how many applications they received.) We regret to inform you that we cannot offer you a place in our incoming Class of 2019. (Another general statement about how this year’s pool of applicants was stronger than ever, and not every worthy applicant could be accepted.)



For those of you who got into your early decision (ED) or early action (EA) schools, congratulations! You can rescind the rest of your apps (if you even started them at all) and enjoy the semester ahead. As for those of you who didn’t, you probably received a letter similar in format and content to the one above. And honestly, there’s only one sentence that matters up there, and it’s the fact that you didn’t get in – you didn’t get into this college that you poured hours into editing essay drafts and dreaming about walking on that campus, living that life. So how do you get over it?


I went through this myself when the results of my early applications rolled around and I found I’d been rejected from my EA school last year. My letter, of course, said “Class of 2018,” but I assure you that the sentiment was the same. Looking back, I realized the best ways to deal with rejection.


Let yourself be sad…


Honestly, it’s all right to be upset or disappointed or frustrated or bitter. That’s a perfectly normal response to being turned down by one of the schools on your college list and it’d be too much to expect if you bounced right back, perky and ready to face the next result. After all, I’ve had my share of “what-if” worries and angry tears.


When college acceptances and rejections are out – as is already the case for those of you who applied EA or ED, and then around February for regular decisions – it’s inevitable that some students at your high school will be announcing and even posting pictures of their acceptance letters to Facebook. Just like one Facebook friend of mine posted a screenshot of his 2400 on the SAT (like, thanks, that helps my self-esteem a lot!), plenty of people on my News Feed had to share their achievement with the world. Not that this is a bad thing, and don’t hesitate to do it if you want to, but for those who didn’t get the same happy result, try not to let it get to you. You still have letters from Regular Decision (RD) schools coming up, and safety and target schools are on your list for a reason. Keep your head up!


…but don’t take it personally.


The college application and admissions process is an intricate and unpredictable thing, more wild animal than human system, in my opinion. Which is not to say admissions officers are rampant and animalistic, but it’s hard for students especially to predict what will happen next.


Admissions officers take so much into account when deciding whether or not they want to accept you – that’s why they ask for so many components in your application! With each piece of paperwork, extra-curricular activity, award, and essay response to a supplemental question, they’re building a more complete profile of you. Though college applications are no fun for the student, it’s worth the effort to give the “you” presented to the schools some depth and character. No college wants a cookie-cutter standard student, and everyone comes from different worlds with different stories. Sometimes your story isn’t what the admissions officer is looking for. Sometimes your story doesn’t fit into the overall library of the university you wanted to get into through EA or ED. And that’s okay, because you’re meant for somewhere else.


I also came to realize how important it is whether you’re in-state or out-of-state when applying to public universities and smaller universities in general. There’s been a shift towards accepting more international students, for instance, with University of California schools because they’re able to pay for more tuition, and UC schools desperately need funding. Or a small liberal arts school with fewer spots to fill will look towards taking from another state rather than its own, as might’ve happened to me.


Look forward, not back!


Honestly, it’s not so much the school, but your attitude toward it. When I didn’t get into my dream school, or my reach schools, or even a school in the geographic area I wanted to be in, I didn’t think I would enjoy college at all. But I tried to keep an open mind and found that my first semester of college has been filled with happiness, with incredible people I wouldn’t have met if I hadn’t come to this school.


Think about it this way: if you go to a school set on hating it, you’ll find plenty of things to despise, like how far or close it is from home, how difficult the classes are, and how exasperating your floormates are when it’s late and you can’t sleep when they’re shouting in the hallway. College isn’t the sparkliest, prettiest place to be. But if you look at how amazing it is that you have the opportunity to receive a higher-level education, that you’re surrounded by new people whom you have so much to learn from, it’s not bad at all. It’s actually kind of awesome.


And in the end, your undergraduate education will be replaced by your experiences as you begin working in the real world. Not getting into one school isn’t the end of the world.


Many early application results are out! What was your reaction when you heard back from your ED and EA choices? Tell us in a comment below.






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Thursday, December 18, 2014

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

7 Job Negotiation Strategies for Students

As a student entering the work force, it’s important to keep negotiation tactics in mind when considering your job offers. After all, business is business. And, while it’s certainly understandable to be over the moon because you’ve received a job offer, it’s important to keep those emotions on the inside.


Often times, graduates jump on the first offer they receive after graduation without any sort of negotiation. This mistake leads to individuals being underpaid and not just for their starting salary - for their entire future.


According to a research study

released in 2010, researchers found that when you don’t negotiate your starting salary, you could lose significant monetary amounts over the course of your career. For example, neglecting to negotiate just $5,000 more could mean the loss of more than $600,000 over the course of a career!


You’ve studied too hard for too long to let that happen!


Here are some strategies to help ensure you’re prepared to properly handle your job search negotiations, as shared by GradHacker:


1. If possible, postpone salary negotiations until you actually get the job.



It’s awkward to negotiate a salary for a job you’re not even sure you have. Try to ensure you only enter salary negotiations when you’re absolutely certain you’re the employer’s desired candidate.

If there’s no way around it and you’re pressured to give a number earlier than you’d like, perhaps because you’re still on campus, avoid citing hard numbers.


It’s more than acceptable to say something slightly vague such as, “If hired for the position, I would expect compensation comparable to others with the same job description.” You can discuss the specifics once you actually have the job offer.


2. Don’t take the first offer you’re given.



Yes – it’s tempting to cave. Just know that employers are trying to get you on the cheap and you, my friend, are not cheap. You’re an asset and you’re worth every penny! Most employers expect a little negotiation so don’t worry about losing the offer. However, if you are hesitant or concerned about offending a potential employer, you are always safe asking for 10 percent more.
3. Negotiate more than salary.



When thinking of job negotiation strategies, numbers usually come to mind. However, other job benefits are important, too. Do not forget to ask about and negotiate other items!

Before going into your negotiation, ask around (discreetly) or research to find out about other benefits employees are typically offered within the company, such as the number of vacation days, stock options, health insurance policies, moving expenses, signing bonuses, a company car, etc.


4. Avoid giving the first number.



Nobody likes to be put on the spot, especially in stressful situations. It’s always best to let your potential employer give out the first number. You’ll either be pleasantly surprised with how high it is (you should still negotiate!) or receive a low offer and you can counter offer (which you have already prepared).

If the potential employer insists that you give a number first, you can direct the focus back to your potential employer through a couple of different methods to ensure they state a hard number first and, from there, you can decide what type of counter offer to make.

You can cite the position’s typical pay range and the various job duties, following-up by asking the potential employer what he or she thinks would be a fair salary based on that given information.


Alternatively, you could say something like, “Given your experience within the company, I think you’re much more qualified to determine the value of this role.” This statement is both flattering to the potential employer and places the ball back in his or her court, so to speak.


5. Arrive prepared with relevant information.



Before you enter negotiations, research what the typical pay range is for that particular job title, both within that company and other companies. That way, you will know whether you are being offer fair compensation and what you should be negotiating.
6. Always have counter offers in mind before negotiations begin.



It’s good to go into your negotiations with (realistic) goals in mind. It’s also important to have an absolute bottom line – if the offer is any lower, you’ll walk away. Make sure when negotiating, you ask for slightly more than you want to settle on so that there’s room for you to compromise with the employer.

For example, if you are looking to receive 10 percent more, ask for 20 percent initially so that you and your potential employer can compromise. The employer can counter with 10 percent, giving you what you really wanted in the first place.


7. Never bring personal issues into it.



After years of college and, perhaps, graduate school, you likely have loads of student debt but it is vital to never cite this as a reason to justify you receiving higher pay.

In fact, the reasons for a higher salary should never even borderline on the personal. The only justifiable reasons for your higher salary center around what you bring to the workplace, how you are skilled and capable to tackle the job position.


Utilize this rule: anything to do with you needing a higher salary should not be mentioned; anything to do with you qualifying for a higher salary should.






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Tuesday, December 16, 2014

America's Most Expensive Colleges

It’s no secret that college is expensive, but would you go to a college that’s even more expensive than most? On top of the stress of getting into the school of your dreams is paying to go there – and these schools don’t make it easy.


Sure, it’s possible with scholarships and financial aid, but you’d probably want those with the cost of any college tuition these days.


Campus Grotto ranked the 100 most expensive colleges by total cost (tuition, room and board, and required fees) and it’s no surprise that they’re all private universities.


Tuition at the schools making the list starts at a whopping $56,000 and rises all the way to $65,000 per year. That’s compared to an average private university cost of around $42,419 per year or an average in-state public university cost of around $18,943 per year.


In calculating these numbers, Campus Grotto report that students attending one of these schools on the list can expect to pay more than a quarter of a million dollars for a four-year degree when tuition increases are taken into account – yikes! And that’s assuming students are able to complete their degree in four years (many students aren’t able to accomplish that feat).


Here’s the top ten portion of the list of America’s Top 100 Most Expensive Colleges for 2014-2015, as ranked by Campus Grotto.


Without further ado, let’s count down:


10. Scripps College



Total Tuition Cost: $61,940

9. Dartmouth College



Total Tuition Cost: $61,947
8. Bard College



Total Tuition Cost: $62,012
7. Fordham University – Lincoln Center



Total Tuition Cost: $62,192
6. Claremont McKenna College



Total Tuition Cost: $62,215
5. University of Chicago



Total Tuition Cost: $62,458
4. Columbia University



Total Tuition Cost: $63,440
3. New York University



Total Tuition Cost: $63,472
2. Harvey Mudd College



Total Tuition Cost: $64,427
1. Sarah Lawrence College



Total Tuition Cost: $65,480









Were you surprised to see any of the schools on the top ten list?


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Monday, December 15, 2014

How to Impress Potential Colleges

How to Impress Potential Colleges

Showing Interest


As a teenager with constantly fluctuating moods and likely a vague idea of what the future holds, you may be completely unsure of where you’d like to attend college.


One day, a tiny liberal arts school may be calling your name. The next, only a school within a huge city will do. What should you do when the perfect school isn’t very clear?


Well, as the time comes to select colleges to apply to, pressure often yields results. But by then, it may be too late to tour, as many colleges have limited tour dates.


One good solution is to start early by casting a wide net. If you do tour colleges, visit some colleges on the way that you may be wavering on, also. In the future, you may come to consider those colleges seriously.


If a college fair is scheduled near your area, don’t ignore small colleges or universities you aren’t so sure about. Speaking to the representative and signing your name takes only a few minutes, and you may be glad you did so in the future.


For smaller schools, showing interest is an important part of your application. An applicant who has never visited or contacted the office may seem like he or she is applying without vigor or excitement.


If the trip is too long or you have no convenient way of visiting the college, reaching out to your admissions officer is a good way to show interest without missing school.


The Application


Attempting to convey real interest in the college is monumental where your application is concerned.


Often, the question, “Why (insert college name)?” stumps students. For those who truly wish to attend that school, it may be hard to pinpoint the exact reason.


For students applying because they need a safety school or need a solid target school, the question is a roadblock because no good reasons may come to mind.


The feedback I have heard most from representatives is that regurgitating a list of facts about the college is not a beneficial way to write your essay.


The representative knows their school’s location, undergraduate class size, and motto; they don’t want you to write your essay about that.


Instead, tapping into something personal may be the best road to go. Delving into your reasons for wanting poetry in a small rural campus will show interest, but only if that’s truly your reason for applying.


If you’re really stumped, maybe you are just applying because this school is a dependable safety school, which is not a good reason to choose a college.


When considering colleges, even your safety schools should be places in which you could imagine yourself.


Don’t Lose Yourself


This may seem obvious, but the representative reading your application wants to see you, not your teacher or tutor or parent.


As the representative reads piles of applications, he or she will be able to tell when an essay is insincere. An essay that appears to reflect the thoughts and skills of someone else will bring down your entire application.


To counteract this, you should be careful when seeking help on your application. Don’t let people rewrite your essays so that you don’t lose your personality.


Instead, ask them to edit the essay and provide verbal advice, rather than rewriting your words themselves. That way, your essay will improve and yet still be your essay.


Also, it’s never a good idea to lie. If you’re not an animal person, there’s no need to pretend you enjoyed the class trip to the animal shelter. As long as you don’t come off as selfish or aloof, there really is no need to pretend you are Mother Theresa.


While stretching the truth to make yourself appear giving may make your application seem more flattering, the representative will likely see through the act.


In all, write your own essays, don’t let others edit you out, and don’t pretend to be someone you’re not.


Don’t Pander


Finally, remember that being a brownnoser never got anybody anywhere. Pouring on syrupy praises of the wonderful school the reader works for won’t improve your essay.


The reader knows their school is wonderful. Your essays should show how you would make that school even better, how you will add to both academics and culture.


Most of all, if you read your essays and conclude that the application essay is your very best effort, admissions officers will likely see that, too.






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Second Semester Motivational Tips

Second Semester Motivational Tips

I suppose that all good things must come to an end, and the holidays are some of those things.


We wish the opposite, but January will eventually come (it always has in the past!). So what do we do when it does? How on earth can we keep ourselves motivated when the end seems so close and yet so far?


Here are a few ways that I’ve come up with:


1. Don’t become boring!



I know that sounds strange, but I think it can pretty quickly happen to all of us. Second semester comes, and we realize that if we can only get through these next five months, we’ll be home free until August rolls around again. It’s easy to then get this urge to buckle down and do schoolwork all the time in order to get it over with. You know…you start looking at the syllabus to see if you can get all of your English papers for the rest of the semester written by the end of February? I think the thought process is that this will make summer start even sooner (and get the work over faster!), but I’ve personally learned that this isn’t really the best strategy.

For one thing, it will start to get confusing when you’re doing work for things which your professor hasn’t even gone over in class, yet. Even if you’ve got the textbook to read, tests become difficult because you’re so mixed up over what was covered most recently. Also, doing things this way makes it super easy to miss out on a lot of amazing experiences second semester.


However counter-intuitive it seems, getting out and doing things (taking breaks from school) will make you more productive. You’ll burn yourself out too easily otherwise. For example: I’m a theatre minor. Being in whatever production my school does in the spring will take up a good amount of my time, but I’m going to do it anyway, because it will give me a much-needed break from homework. You need to refresh your brain every once in awhile to keep it going.


The opposite is also true, however. Don’t just give up on everything because it’s second semester. Finish well!


2. Take it little bits at a time



Don’t look at the whole semester all at once. Take it a little at a time. For instance, if you can just get to the end of January, then you’ve only got about four months left. If you can then get to the end of February – only three.

Set goals for yourself, and reward yourself every time you achieve one. For example, your goal could be to have at least a B in computer science by the end of February. When it happens, you could go get ice cream or see a movie or something – anything you wouldn’t normally do. By celebrating little things, you’re slowly building up to the big thing – completing second semester – but without overwhelming yourself.


3. Take care of yourself



It’s a known fact that lack of sunlight fuels depression and other unwanted things like that. This is often why we feel crummier in the winter. One way to combat this is to make sure that you’re taking care of your body. This will also work to motivate you throughout all of second semester!

Make sure that you’re getting enough rest (I know it’s hard, but do the best you can!). It’s also important to get exercise and make sure you’re maintaining a healthy diet. If you live somewhere a little less chilly, you could try walking to all of your meals and classes as opposed to driving. Riding a bike is also a good option. If you’re combating polar temperatures, however, it might be wiser to look for something inside. Check out your school’s fitness facilities and classes. You never know what you might find!


Healthy eating doesn't mean never having sugar. What it does mean is that desert becomes what it was always meant to be – a treat. None of us need it for every meal. Start looking for options with fewer preservatives and such in the cafeteria or grocery store. Especially stay away from pre-packaged meals as much as possible! The less that you indulge your sweet tooth, the more it begins to disappear. Not all healthy foods have to be things you detest – blueberries have almost as many health benefits as broccoli! Remember to always keep drinking water – it’s usually a good idea to just carry a bottle around with you in your backpack. That way you have it when you need it.


Don’t look at the next five months and groan! Think of how much you could learn between now and then! And, anyway, it will be over before you know it. Why waste this time in your life?






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Friday, December 12, 2014

Second Semester Motivation Tips

Second Semester Motivation Tips

I suppose that all good things must come to an end, and the holidays are some of those things.


We wish the opposite, but January will eventually come (it always has in the past!). So what do we do when it does? How on earth can we keep ourselves motivated when the end seems so close and yet so far?


Here are a few ways that I’ve come up with:


1. Don’t become boring!



I know that sounds strange, but I think it can pretty quickly happen to all of us. Second semester comes, and we realize that if we can only get through these next five months, we’ll be home free until August rolls around again. It’s easy to then get this urge to buckle down and do schoolwork all the time in order to get it over with. You know…you start looking at the syllabus to see if you can get all of your English papers for the rest of the semester written by the end of February? I think the thought process is that this will make summer start even sooner (and get the work over faster!), but I’ve personally learned that this isn’t really the best strategy.

For one thing, it will start to get confusing when you’re doing work for things which your professor hasn’t even gone over in class, yet. Even if you’ve got the textbook to read, tests become difficult because you’re so mixed up over what was covered most recently. Also, doing things this way makes it super easy to miss out on a lot of amazing experiences second semester.


However counter-intuitive it seems, getting out and doing things (taking breaks from school) will make you more productive. You’ll burn yourself out too easily otherwise. For example: I’m a theatre minor. Being in whatever production my school does in the spring will take up a good amount of my time, but I’m going to do it anyway, because it will give me a much-needed break from homework. You need to refresh your brain every once in awhile to keep it going.


The opposite is also true, however. Don’t just give up on everything because it’s second semester. Finish well!


2. Take it little bits at a time



Don’t look at the whole semester all at once. Take it a little at a time. For instance, if you can just get to the end of January, then you’ve only got about four months left. If you can then get to the end of February – only three.

Set goals for yourself, and reward yourself every time you achieve one. For example, your goal could be to have at least a B in computer science by the end of February. When it happens, you could go get ice cream or see a movie or something – anything you wouldn’t normally do. By celebrating little things, you’re slowly building up to the big thing – completing second semester – but without overwhelming yourself.


3. Take care of yourself



It’s a known fact that lack of sunlight fuels depression and other unwanted things like that. This is often why we feel crummier in the winter. One way to combat this is to make sure that you’re taking care of your body. This will also work to motivate you throughout all of second semester!

Make sure that you’re getting enough rest (I know it’s hard, but do the best you can!). It’s also important to get exercise and make sure you’re maintaining a healthy diet. If you live somewhere a little less chilly, you could try walking to all of your meals and classes as opposed to driving. Riding a bike is also a good option. If you’re combating polar temperatures, however, it might be wiser to look for something inside. Check out your school’s fitness facilities and classes. You never know what you might find!


Healthy eating doesn't mean never having sugar. What it does mean is that desert becomes what it was always meant to be – a treat. None of us need it for every meal. Start looking for options with fewer preservatives and such in the cafeteria or grocery store. Especially stay away from pre-packaged meals as much as possible! The less that you indulge your sweet tooth, the more it begins to disappear. Not all healthy foods have to be things you detest – blueberries have almost as many health benefits as broccoli! Remember to always keep drinking water – it’s usually a good idea to just carry a bottle around with you in your backpack. That way you have it when you need it.


Don’t look at the next five months and groan! Think of how much you could learn between now and then! And, anyway, it will be over before you know it. Why waste this time in your life?






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Top 10 Articles of 2014

Top 10 Articles of 2014

2014: a great year, filled with articles on great topics and useful information!


We’ve ranked Fastweb users’ top ten favorite articles from the past year and wanted to share - just in case you may have missed one or two.


Here are Fastweb’s top ten ranked articles of 2014:


1. Scholarships for Women



2. Is Your Scholarship Taxable?


3. Top 10 Happiest Colleges in the Country


4. 15 College Dorms with Crazy-Awesome Amenities


5. Internship Cover Letter Sample


6. Top Party Schools of 2014-2015


7. The Weirdest Scholarships


8. Top 10 College Towns with the Best Pizza


9. The Hardest College Courses


10. Scholarships for Hispanic & Latino Students


Bonus list! There were so many great articles in 2014 – we couldn't get them all on a top ten list. Check out the top five favorites from Fastweb’s editor:


1. Amazing Student Apps


2. 20 of the Coolest College Start-ups Ever


3. Celebrity Scholarships


4. Brand Name Scholarships & Internships


5. 20 Must-See College Movies


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